To start with, the number of benefits of eating sprouts are innumerable. They are one of the greatest protein-rich diet known to humans. No wonder they are known as the “Diet of the Gods” and are the symbol of perfect healthy food across the world. Sprouts are rich in not just protein but also other vitals such as Potassium, Magnesium, Folate, Phosphorus, Iron, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A and C. For individuals who work out regularly, they are the embodiment of perfect body and health. This is due to the fact that sprouts help in building muscles, reduces the excess fat content in the body and the dietary fiber helps in getting rid of the toxins from the body.
The protein content in a bowl of sprouts is equivalent to eating 2 bags full of fruits or drinking gallon milk. Sprouting is nothing but the germination phenomenon where the seed starts to have shoots and slowly start to lose their cover. This is the perfect time to consume them. Some of the well-known sprouts are Soybean Sprouts, Alfalfa Sprouts, Green Gram Sprouts (Mung sprouts), Chick-pea sprouts, Clover Sprouts, Green-Onion sprouts and Mustard sprouts. The best part about it is, you can consume them the way you like, they go well as a salad or as a sandwich. Though they become a super-diet when consumed along with Yogurt (another protein-rich food). Sprouts are best when eaten raw rather than consuming cooked or boiled ones.
The benefits of eating sprouts are countless, but there have been reports across the globe of the E.coli and Salmonella breakout due to the way sprouts are grown, packed or manufactured by large corporations. Therefore it is always advised to grow sprouts at home as there would be less likelihood of them getting such viruses.
That’s all great, but what are the actual benefits of eating sprouts?
- Better Digestion
Sprouts are known to have high dietary fiber content that helps in better digestion of food and mobility of stool across the digestive tract. Some other benefits of eating sprouts can include high metabolism rate as they contain living enzymes which boost these chemical processes which not just allow better digestion of food but also helps the body efficiently absorb the proteins and minerals during the food breakdown.
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- Heart and Cardiac related issues
According to a journal published by the Harvard Medical in 2018, the number of cardiovascular diseases in individuals consuming sprouts every day dropped by a whopping 30% as compared to individuals who did not. They can bring down the Sodium levels in the body which are known to be the main reason for Hypertension or High Blood pressure in the body. Additionally, they contain Omega 3 Fatty acids which help in boosting the Good Cholesterol (HDL) and bringing down the Bad cholesterol (LDL) thus making it one of the greatest benefits of eating sprouts regularly. They are a great diet for individuals suffering from Diabetes or High blood sugar content.
- Eyes like an Eagle
As we talked about before, Sprouts are known to be the powerhouse for Vitamin A, which is known to boost our vision. Brussel sprouts contain ample amount of anti-oxidants which help in maintaining the corneas in the eyes and boost better blood circulation across the brain and the eyes. This, in turn, helps in the better adjustment of retinas during the dark making it one of the great benefits of eating sprouts. They also protect the retinas from free radicals and keep them healthy.
- Smooth Skin and Low Hair fall
Sprouts contain ample amounts of anti-oxidants and Iron, which help in preventing aging of the skin and keeps Acne and rashes at bay. They boost better circulation of blood, which helps in repairing the dead skin cells fast and boosts better capillary growth. This helps in strong and thick hair and one of the greatest benefits of eating sprouts for people suffering from hair loss. Better circulation of blood also boosts better scalp health and keeps it moist, thus preventing dandruff.
- Efficient Weight Loss
To all those scratching their heads to know how to lose weight, Sprouts is your answer. They do not contain calories or sugars in any form. Rather they help in burning down the excessive fat in the body and help in breaking down the complex sugars thus making it one of the greatest benefits of eating sprouts every day. As sprouts contain high dietary fiber, it helps individuals having overeating problems eat less, as fiber makes you feel full.
- Vitamin and Protein Intake
This could be a piece of great news for people hitting gyms regularly. Sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, B, and K and reports have shown that regular intake can increase the vitamin levels in the body 30 times the initial levels. This increases bone strength phenomenally and increases physical endurance or stamina. Apart from this it could heal wounds faster and give a strong boost to the immune system. Other benefits of eating sprouts include increased metabolism and high protein intake. This helps in building muscles and makes them flexible. Alfalfa sprouts and Mung Bean Sprouts are known to 35% protein content making them great gym diet supplements.
- Reduced Gastric Issues
Sprouts are also known to reduce inflammation and flatulence when consumed regularly. Given they are rich in soluble fiber and contain minerals such as Vitamin B and Potassium, they reduce the acidity thus keeping your bowel movement as well as caloric intake in check. Brussel sprouts are especially best to reduce this if you currently undergoing any gastric issues or you know someone who is going through, making it one of the best pros and cons brussel sprouts
Also Read: Indian GM Diet Plan, losing weight in 7 days!
How to make Sprouts?
- Staying healthy and fit is not Rocket science, and neither is making sprouts at home. After learning the benefits of eating sprouts lets learn how to grow them. Before we do remember you have to be patient while growing them, as some sprouts grow slower and can take days to get a small shoot.
- Select your desired sprout and Soak them in clean water for an overnight in a bowl and cover it.
- Now take them out and put them on a clean cloth for 2-3 days also ensure that the cloth is wet for during this process.
- Make sure that the sprouts get air and little light from time to time.
- Your sprouts should be ready in 3 days, before consuming make sure if the sprouts or the cloth were not exposed to any kind of contamination.
Great ways to Eat Sprouts
The best thing about sprouts is you can eat them the way you want, but in order to get the best of them try to eat them Raw, like a Salad or like a Sandwich and not cooked or boiled in any form. Having them with Yogurt can also be really beneficial and they boost the probiotics in the body.
Cons or Disadvantages of Sprouts
- Like any fresh produce, sprouts are prone to foodborne diseases, especially by E.Coli and Salmonella. There have been more than 50 major outbreaks since 1990 due to unhygienic growth of sprouts across the globe. When they are grown in murky water, they attract microbes and when consumed cause E.Coli, Salmonella or worse.
- Though Sprouts can be a super food for all the pregnant women out there as it could provide good nutrition for the child, but these microbes can be harmful to the kid and can affect their physical and neurological growth.
- Talk to your physician if you are allergic to sprouts. Eating sprouts under such circumstances can further weaken your immune system rather than building it.
- Consumption of Sprouts is good for health but, over-consumption can lead to Dehydration, Stomach ache, Gastroenteric Issues and sometimes can cause blood thinning as Brussel sprouts contain high amounts of Vitamin K.
- Sprouts such as Alfalfa contain L-Cavanine that might lead to a significant drop in the Red Blood Cells count. Hence, they must be consumed in controlled/limited amounts.
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